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Posts Tagged ‘launches’

Manfrotto launches fluid head counterbalanced with a nitrogen piston

23 Apr

Tripod and accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has announced a new tripod head for stills and video users that it claims provides smooth motion and continuous counterbalance for loads of up to 8kg. The new Nitrotech N8 uses what the company describes as a ‘nitrogen piston mechanism’ to counteract movements of the head and the pull of gravity to produce fluid and controlled motion for video and still photographers. While the new technology has obvious applications in the video market, Manfrotto also suggests the head for still photographers working with long lenses.

Users can adjust the degree of resistance in the pan and tilt axes to suit the shoot, and a side locking mechanism secures a quick release plate that offers 1/4in and 3/8in screws. The head is made from aluminum, features Easy Link threads for attaching accessory arms and an illuminated bubble level is powered by a lithium-ion battery.

The Nitrotech N8 head can be bought on its own for $ 449.95/£449.95, but Manfrotto has also created a number of kits using both carbon fiber and aluminum leg sets.

For more information see the Manfrotto website.

Press release

Manfrotto Introduces Nitrotech New Fluid Video Head 

  • Breakthrough Nitrogen piston technology for precise, continuous counterbalance
  • Variable pan & tilt fluidity for smooth and accurate shooting
  • Easy link connector with anti-rotation to support off-camera accessories
  • Side-lock sliding plate attachment
  • Secure, 8 kg load capacity
  • Flawlessly constructed professional video heads for superlative videography
  • High-impact, ground breaking design, superior quality materials

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, presents the new Nitrotech Video Head – a revolutionary head that combines the most successful features of Manfrotto’s Video Heads range with the ground-breaking, unique-to-the-market Nitrogen piston mechanism that guarantees continuous counterbalance.

The new Nitrotech N8 head securely supports a load up to 8 kg. The new head features a precise, continuous counterbalance system that effortlessly and safely holds and operates a wide array of video camera and camera models – in a variety of sizes. The variable fluidity function on both pan and tilt allows smooth, judder-free movement that is perfect for video work and photography work for example: wildlife, long lens, or sports photography. It allows precise control and balance over a heavy telephoto lens or video camera and features a 3/8” Easy Link equipped with an anti-rotation function that enables an external monitor or other accessories to be fitted.

This new head also features a side-lock sliding plate mechanism that allows safe, quick and easy camera attachment. The NITROTECH head has a flat base mount with a standard 3/8” thread that is highly versatile for different support combinations such as a tripod, slider or rig.

Manfrotto’s game-changing N8 Nitrotech Video Head makes a strong impression at first sight through its distinctive, impactful design, which emphasizes this core breakthrough technology. Ideal for both video and photography work, the Nitro head is a revolution in fluid video heads.

For more information, please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk

Prices start from £449.95.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lomography launches Simple Use Film Camera

18 Apr

If you thought the market for single-use cameras was dead, think again. Lomography today launched its Simple Use Film Camera that comes in three variations: color negative film, black & white film or the Lomography-exclusive color-shifting film LomoChrome Purple.

The cameras come with a built-in flash and Lomography says they are perfect for parties, road trips, weddings and similar occasions. Three different color gel flash filters let you tint your color or LomoChrome Purple shots and if you are feeling adventurous you can even try replacing the pre-loaded film when the roll is finished. Lomography says the camera is designed for single-use only and film replacement can be tricky, but still gives detailed replacement instructions on its website. 

The film sensitivity is ISO 400 for all three types and finished rolls can be developed in any lab. The camera is powered by an AA battery, and shutter speed and aperture are both fixed at 1/120s and F9 respectively. A three camera bundle is available to order on the Lomography website now for $ 52.92. You can also buy individually, in which case the color and black & white cameras will set you back $ 16.30 each, the LomoChrome Purple is $ 21.90. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adata launches V90 SDXC cards in 64, 128 and 256GB capacities

18 Apr

Adata has become one of the first companies to support the V90 video speed class with its Premier ONE series of SD cards that guarantee 90MB/s sustained read and write: the key specification for stable video capture.

Fast UHS-II cards already exist, promising around 290MB/s peak write speed, but these are often rated as U3 speed, meaning they don’t guarantee to be able to reliably write for extended periods at anything over 30MB/s. This means you’re taking a risk if you try to shoot with a camera that writes any faster than this (240 megabits per second).

The V90 speed class, announced in 2016, promises three times that performance, allowing up to 720MBps capture. The latest cards are also some of the first to rely on 3D NAND technology, one of the approaches that will be needed to allow cards to get larger and faster.

Pricing was not available at time of publication.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Edelkrone launches SliderPLUS X and Motion Kit 4-axis motion control system

15 Apr

Accessory-maker Edelkrone has launched its latest motion control product for videographers. The SliderPLUS X & Motion Kit is a slider and motion head combo that offers 4 axes of control – slide, pan, tilt and focus, all controllable via a smartphone app. Edelkrone claims its new rig is the ‘world’s smartest and most portable 4-Axis motion control system.’

The system allows you to lock the lens and focus onto a subject for a slide. You can program complex motion by movements the head and slider manually to ‘record’ the motion and it’s possible to create looping sequences as well. Edelkrone is still working on a number of features that will be added at a later stage via app and firmware updates respectively. Eventually users will be able to convert programmed motion paths into time-lapse or stop-motion animations and the camera will be controllable during live recordings. You’ll also be able to program your lenses into the system, so focus calibration can be saved for future use.

The SliderPLUS X & Motion Kit will set you back $ 3,700, $ 1,000 for the slider and $ 2,700 for the Motion head. That’s a serious investment, but given the rig might help set your videography apart from the competition it could well be worth it from a business point of view. More information can be found on the Edelkrone website and in the video below. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV firmware 1.0.4 launches with bug fixes

14 Apr

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV firmware version 1.0.4 has been released, and it brings with it a handful of minor bug fixes and improvements. According to the new version’s release notes, 1.0.4 ‘enhances’ communication reliability between the SD card and camera, as well as fixing a Finnish language word error, an image issue experienced during long exposures and in bulb mode, and a problem with autofocus.

The full release notes:

Firmware Version 1.0.4 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:

  • 1. Fixes a phenomenon in which a red-colored area may appear at the bottom-center of a captured image when shooting in bulb mode or during a long exposure.
  • 2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the autofocus may not respond when the autofocus is initiated via pressing the shutter button, the AF-ON button or the AE lock button when configured in the custom control menu.
  • 3. Enhances the reliability of communications between the camera and SD card.
  • 4. Fixes incorrect wording on the Finnish language menu screen.

The firmware is available to download now from Canon’s support website.

Via: CanonRumors

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI launches Phantom 4 Advanced drone

14 Apr

Drone maker DJI today launched a new model in its Phantom 4 series, the Phantom 4 Advanced. Compared to the original Phantom 4, the Advanced adds a 1″ 20MP sensor and a mechanical shutter to its onboard-camera. It is also capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second and supports H.264 4K video at 60 fps or H.265 4K at 30 fps.

In addition the new drone comes with a range of navigation and flight features that we’ve already seen on the original Phantom 4, such as Draw, ActiveTrack, TapFly, Gesture and Tripod. The Phantom 4 is also equipped with DJI’s FlightAutonomy system that uses 5 vision sensors, a forward-facing obstacle avoidance system, dual-band satellite positioning and ultrasonic rangefinders. 

The Phantom 4 Advanced now offers increased storage capacity, thanks to using a 128GB microSD card, and an extended flight time of up to 30 minutes.There is also a Phantom 4 Advanced+ version that offers an integrated 5.5″ 1080p screen in the controller. 

With the introduction of the new model the original Phantom 4 will be phased out but DJI promises after sales support will continue. The Phantom 4 Advanced and Advanced+ will be available from April 30 on store.dji.com? for $ 1,349 and $ 1,649 respectively. More information on the new model can be foud on the DJI website. 

Press Release:

New Phantom 4 Advanced Gives Creators The Ideal Flying Camera For Expanding Their Creative Vision

New Phantom 4 Advanced Gives Creators The Ideal Flying Camera
For Expanding Their Creative Vision

April 13, 2017 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, Thursday, introduced a new addition to the Phantom family – the Phantom 4 Advanced – offering creators an affordable way to capture aerial imagery with a more powerful camera and more precise controls. The new Phantom 4 Advanced model improves on the original Phantom 4, giving photographers a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor and a mechanical shutter that lets them explore all the creative possibilities that a flying camera can provide.

The Phantom 4 Advanced’s upgraded camera is capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second. The more powerful video processing now supports H.264 4K videos at 60fps or H.265 4K at 30fps, both with a 100Mbps bitrate. Excellent optical performance, sensors and processors ensure everything is captured with high dynamic range and more image detail needed for advanced post-production.

Similar to the Phantom 4 Pro, it comes with many key intelligent features that allow smooth automatic flight modes, including Draw, ActiveTrack, TapFly, Gesture and Tripod. Equipped with the FlightAutonomy system made up of 5 vision sensors, forward-facing obstacle avoidance system, dual-band satellite positioning (GPS and GLONASS), and ultrasonic rangefinders, the Phantom 4 Advanced is able to hover precisely in places without GPS and fly in complex environments.

The Phantom 4 Advanced+ version offers a 5.5-inch 1080p screen integrated into the controller. The screen is more than twice as bright as conventional smart devices, making it an ideal aerial imaging solution for outdoor use. In addition, creators can now do more with the Phantom 4 Advanced’s increased storage capacity using a 128GB microSD card and a flight time extended up to 30 minutes.

For those who are ready to take their aerial camera work to the next level, the Phantom 4 Advanced is truly the most affordable, intelligent and powerful flying camera you can find. For more information, visit http://www.dji.com/phantom-4-adv.

With the introduction of the more affordable, yet powerful Phantom 4 Advanced, the Phantom 4 model will reach its End of Life (EOL) on April 30, 2017. DJI will continue to provide after sales support to Phantom 4 customers and they can continue to enjoy flying their aircraft using the DJI GO 4 app.

The US retail price of the Phantom 4 Advanced and Phantom 4 Advanced+ is USD1,349 and USD1,649, respectively. It will be available on store.dji.com/? and the product will start shipping on April 30, 2017.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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GoPro launches camera trade-up program in the US

11 Apr

Action-camera manufacturer GoPro has launched a trade-up program for its US-customers. Existing GoPro owners can receive $ 100 off a new HERO5 Black, or $ 50 off a HERO5 Session when they trade in any older GoPro HERO model.

To participate in the program you should visit the Trade-up website, select the new camera of your choice, and follow instructions to return your old camera. Once GoPro has received the latter, it will process the discount and send you a brand-new HERO5 Black or HERO5 Session camera.  The company says returned cameras will be recycled responsibly via zero landfill and recycling methods appropriate to material type. 

“Our HERO5 cameras are the best we’ve ever made. And when paired with GoPro’s new software, they unlock the simplest, most powerful mobile storytelling solution yet,” said CJ Prober, GoPro’s Chief Operating Officer. “Our Trade-Up Program allows us to introduce existing customers to the modern GoPro experience and prepare our community for the new software enhancements ahead.”

The HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session currently retail for $ 399.99 and $ 299.99, so the trade-in discount can cut a nice chunk from that. If you own an older GoPro and like the idea of trading it in, you can find all the information on the GoPro website. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Western Digital launches its first portable SSD

07 Apr

Western Digital today announced its first portable SSD, adding solid state storage technology to its My Passport line of portable storage devices. The new My Passport SSD comes with a USB Type-C port and with transfer speeds of up to 515 MB/s is WD’s fastest current My Passport model. 

The My Passport SSD is available with capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB and its small dimensions make it very portable. It has also been drop tested from a height of 2m / 6.5ft and Western Digital claims it can withstand 1500G of force.

The Western Digital My Passport SSD comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-A adapter in the box. It is available now from Best Buy and from other select retailers starting this quarter. The 256GB model will set you back $ 99.99, the 512GB version is $ 199.99, and for the 1TB variant $ 399.99 have to be invested. More information is available on the Western Digital website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Elinchrom launches improved Deep Umbrellas

05 Apr

Elinchrom has introduced its new Deep Umbrellas line of affordable umbrellas to replace the Varistar series. The new models are available in white, silver and translucent and feature a deep shape that provides an even quality of light. 16 fiberglass rods are utilized to maintain a consistent circular shape. The umbrellas include a portable sleeve and are available in sizes of 41” or 49”. 

In addition to the new umbrellas, Elinchrom has also introduced a range of compatible diffusers and reflectors that can convert the umbrella into a “fold-up” softbox, giving photographers another lighting tool without adding hardly any extra bulk. Pricing for the umbrellas ranges, depending on color and size, from $ 96.95 to $ 136.95. Diffusors start at $ 32.95. More information on specifications and features is available on Elinchromus.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Gudsen launches Moza Air 3-axis powered stabilization system

05 Apr

Chinese stabilization brand Gudsen has announced a new addition to its Moza range of powered gimbals that’s aimed at users of compact system cameras and small-to-medium sized DSLRs. The Moza Air can carry a maximum payload of 5.5lbs and offers powered 3-axis stabilization as well as remote control features. Gudsen claims it is ‘the smartest camera stabilization and control system for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs.’

The handheld device uses a single joystick on its handle for the photographer to control the direction the camera will face and the modes the gimbal operates in, while a smartphone app allows the same controls to be applied from a distance of 10m. The app also allows users to program motion-orientated time-lapse sequences with the head turning or tilting by increments to match the shooting settings of the camera. An optional thumb controller is also available that additionally provides start/stop functions for some camera models. Having an app and a thumb controller means that the system can be carried by one person while another controls the direction of the camera.

The gimbal is capable of 360-degree rotation in yaw, tilt and roll axes and with a dual-handle included users can opt to have the camera above or slung below the hand grip. The Moza Air is powered by three 2000mAh lithium batteries that run the system for up to four hours.

The Gudsen Moza Air costs $ 599. For more information and to read the full spec of the device visit the Gudsen website.

Manufacturer information

About MOZA Air

MOZA Air is a versatile and interactive camera stabilization system designed for mirrorless cameras and most DSRLs to capture smooth and cinematic videos. It is a 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer that gives the operator ability of controlling over the camera and gimbal via the handgrip or the MOZA wireless thumb controller. With a max payload of 2.5kg or 5.5 lbs, it can support Sony A7S, Panasonic GH5, Canon 5D Mark III and others. With high precision encoded motors and advanced motion control technology built into the MOZA Assistant App, it allows for shooting motion time-lapse with your iPhone.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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